The Arcade and Attica Railroad is a shortline and heritage railroad that hauls both freight and passenger trains between Arcade and North Java, New York. The railroad originally connected Arcade with Attica until the right of way from North Java to Attica was abandoned in 1957 due to flooding on the Tonawanda Creek.
The ARA's main business is handling agricultural products such as soybeans, corn, fertilizer, lumber, dairy feed, and other commodities between Arcade and North Java. The ARA also runs passenger excursion trains from May to October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Passengers can ride the round trip from Arcade to Curriers Station on restored 1920s-era Boonton passenger coaches as well as a covered gondola pulled by one of the vintage Centercab Diesels (#113, built in 1959, and #112, built in 1945).
As of 2024, ARA uses its newly acquired 1952 RS3m #114 to handle freight runs from Arcade to the Reisdorf Brothers feed mill in North Java. However, the railroad's steam locomotive, No. 18, returned from a full rebuild in August 2024, meaning the General Electric centercab locomotives will take a break from frequent service.
History
The Arcade and Attica Railroad was the latest in a long succession of railroads planned and built through the Tonawanda Valley in Wyoming County.
In 1836, the Attica and Sheldon Railroad was proposed, but no construction ever took place.
Locomotives
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